Beyond the Universe: The Bill Pearl Story

4.3/5 ( ratings)

Bill's autobiography is a delightful mish-mash of photos and text. But, I read the book from cover to cover. I just couldn't stop. I loved it! The good thing about the book is that it is written from the heart -- truthful and fearless. I recommend it highly to anyone who has ever touched a barbell or dumbbell. Bob Kennedy - Publisher of Musclemag International A Fantastic Book by one of the Good Guys in the Iron Game. This book, like Bill Pearl, is a model of perfection. A very through and factual book with humor thrown in. The photos alone are worth the cost. Pat Casey What an extraordinary story. You have had more experiences in your lifetime than most of us could have in several. Not only that, you didn't sit back and wait for life to happen or come to youyou went after IT! You touched my heart, made me laugh, think and admire. I found it truly amazing and inspirational. Thank you for sharing. Stacy Krayer This book goes far beyond the usual "schmaltzy" and "humdrum" bodybuilding autobiography. Not just another "sets and reps" publication, this is the story of Bill Pearl's personal journey through life, in which he reveals himself as a well-rounded, talented, intelligent man who was never just a "muscle head." Pearl's writing is engaging, humorous and honest, without embellishment, and he has more stories to tell than the brothers Grimm! What is constant throughout is his love for the Iron Game and his sadness at some of the changes that have manifested themselves over the years. Never one for holding back, Bill's frank and sometimes raw comments regarding his early years I found very moving and his revelations of what goes on behind the scenes of championship bodybuilding will not only surprise but also amuse readers of this splendid narrative. His down-to-earth, candid comments on some of the stars of bodybuilding are both interesting and informative and most definitely capture the true personalities of people such as John Grimek, Reg Park, Clancy Ross, Sergio Oliva, Lee Haney, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, Leo Stern, etc. Bill's account of his brief stint in the movies and his relationship with the "one and only" Arthur Jones help make this book delightfully different. His adventures in many parts of the world make very interesting reading and his chapter on "The Golden Age of Strength Training" is very well done and should be well received by all who have ever trained with weights. In an age where the word "superstar" is tossed around lightly, its true meaning has become all but lost. In the world of bodybuilding there are, in my opinion, just a handful of people who deserve this title, Bill Pearl is most definitely one of them. George Coates - contributing author to numerous physique magazines This is 290 pages of fascinating reading for all of us who will never forget those magic days. It introduces us to all manner of personages that Bill meet along the way ranging from John Grimek to John Paul Getty to Sri Chinmoy to Arthur Jones - a must read. Gary Cleveland Candid, Powerful, Amazing insight into a true Icon Strongman and Bodybuilding Champion. Bill Pearl was and is the forward thinking visionary of the physical culture. His story is a must for all exercise enthusiasts and historians. Dr. Jeffrey W. Noah - North Carolina Amateur Physique Association Chairman This delightful book is a "must-buy" for true muscle fans. Full of humour combined with humility, it is the real story of one of the world's greatest ever bodybuilding champions. Read and discover the many untold stories and hidden facets of Bill Pearl's fantastic bodybuilding career, which covers the Golden Years of muscle building, from Grimek to Schwarzenegger. Bill's, latest and for me, his best book yet, contains "Pearl's" of wisdom, fascinating facts e.g. Did you know Bill was also a musician and competent mesmerist and a wealth of rarely seen photographs and illustrations. The book is an emotional and at times hilariously honest journey, from his early tough childhood to the worlds' greatest physique. Highly recommended reading. I absolutely loved it, and can only say "Thanks Bill for the memories." David Gentle - renown author and physical culture historian Want to find out who the real Bill Pearl is, without the bulletproof muscle magazines protecting his image. Four years in the making "Beyond the Universe - The Bill Pearl Story" is the most inspiring autobiography I have read in years. From Pearl's humble beginnings near Prineville, Oregon to his current place as the true ICON of the Iron Game. The many unexpected twists and turns of the story will make you laugh, think, ponder the meaning of life, but most of all it will entertain you, hard to put down. The chapter about Arthur Jones alone is worth the price of the book. Profusely illustrated with hundreds of pictures from Bill's exciting career as a physique star, gym owner, antique car collector, travels around the world. If you buy one book this year make it "Beyond the Universe". You won't be disappointed. Osmo Kiiha "The Bill Pearl Story" - An inspiring and true story evidencing that a steadfast adherence to the principals and application of hard work and fair dealings with others will overcome adversity and result in true success. Christopher A. Toy One hundred years from now, sports historians will turn to Bill's book for insights into the world of bodybuilding as it existed in the late twentieth century. Its honesty and lack of BS will make it a classic of sports literature. David Chapman In reading this book you will not only know the man Bill Pearl, you will get to know the "pearl" Bill Pearl. Raymond Long This is THE book for any bodybuilding aficionado but especially the Bill Pearl fan. The hundreds of photographs alone are worth at least twice the price of the book but perhaps more importantly, Bill tells you his story from his heart and that's priceless. Mike Payne